Madonna Hanna: The Mini-Interview

Photo:  Madonna Hanna and her trainer, Olympic hopeful Marcus Chambers. Madonna won gold medals in the 50 meter dash and 100 meter dash in 2021 and 2022 in the Washington State Senior Games.

Madonna Hanna, 69, Tacoma, Washington, motivational speaker and freelance marketing consultant.

Madonna is scheduled for an appearance on NBC's Today Show in January to talk about competing as an athlete in her 60s. Here is a link to a previous story on her.

1. What motivates you to exercise?

I define my intentions and identify specific goals. My present goal is to compete in the 2023 National Senior Games (in the sprints) and do my very best to be competitive.

2. How do you deal with negative comments about being an athlete in your 60s and still training in the sprints?

People say to me, “At your age WHY are you putting yourself through that?”, or “Since you are a retired educator why don’t you become a substitute teacher INSTEAD of running around a track?!"

I obviously ignore those comments and glad I did!

3. What’s your biggest athletic regret?

My biggest athletic regret is that my high school did not have a girls track team. I often daydreamed about racing to victories and competing at State.

4. What was the worst training injury and what helped you recover?

My worst injury occurred during the 2014 Washington State Senior Games. I severely ruptured my left Achilles during the 50-meter event. Surgery and rehab were my next opponents! I overcame those opponents with hard work, determination, and persistence! I preserved and was back on the track in 2017 WINNING GOLD!